Every time I turn around it seems Charleston appears on another “top” list. And, guess what folks… we’ve done it again. Our beautiful community has been highlighted by Outside Magazine as the “Best Big City” on the East Coast!! It seems the secret is definitely out. We’re among an impressive list of some of the nation’s major metropolitans… Atlanta, Boston, Minneapolis, Tucson and Portland.

The article reads:

“Culture is both old and new in this 337-year-old port city: Look for homegrown products like aged cigars and black tea, plus a burgeoning design scene and the new Art Institute of Charleston.”

So, how could one of the nation’s “Best Towns” not be inspiring? Just take a look around you and be reminded of how lucky we are to live in Charleston!

Jack’s Cosmic Dogs in Mount Pleasant and Ted’s Butcherblock in downtown Charleston were voted as “Top Insider Spots” for South Carolina in Travelocity’s 2007 edition of Local Secrets, Big Finds.

So if you’re thinking about stopping by either place, get in line… these favorite local spots are about to be discovered! Eat up!

CNN.com and Travel & Leisure are back again for 2007 in their quest to find America’s favorite city.

Charleston is one of the 25 cities on the list you can vote for, so get out there and start voting, Charleston!

You can also submit pictures, stories, and one-minute video essays if you’re so inclined.

Vote for America’s Favorite city here.

It’s no hidden secret that Charleston boasts of history, culture and beauty… but, recently national publications have been recognizing our region for much, much more. Take our business environment, community assets and world-class amenities; everything from five-diamond resorts to internationally-renowned festivals… we have a lot to be proud of. Check out this diverse list (just to name a few):

• Best of the Best/Destination of the Year by BestWeekends
• New American Dream Towns by Outside
• Charleston ranked 4th Best City in America by Travel + Leisure
• Hottest Cities for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneur
• Charleston named a Top Art Destination by American Style Magazine
• “America’s 50 Hottest Cities” for business expansion by Expansion Management

So whether you’re enjoying our finest restaurants and entertainment or creating strategic plans for your next business venture, you’re doing so in an award-winning environment… all the tools necessary to getinspired.